What to upgrade my triple recto to?

[jayd41]

I've had a Mesa Rectifier in one form or another for years now.
It's pretty much the sound in my head, when its sounding perfect.
The problem is, everytime I fire up my Rectifier, it sounds slight different. Or it's me, either way, it's not consistently, fire up and sound awesome.
I've most recently settled on a Multi-watt Triple that I've had for over a year now. It was the best sounding rectifier over all I had played when I bought it.
The last few months, I seem to have 3 or 4 bad tone days with it for every 1 good day.
Last night, I was so frustrated trying to coax the magic out of it, I unplugged it and fired up the old JSX. Magically delicious tones were had in about 2 minutes.

So this leads me to my question.
What is in the same ballpark as a rectifier, but better.
Or should I just keep fighting the Triple until it submits
(I have recently replaced the power tubes and some preamp tubes, so that's not the issue)

 

[glip22]

I think it's just that you have been on Rig-Talk too long

 

[Capulin Overdrive]

Time for new tubes?



My triple fried the stock tubes pretty fast, but that was back when I was smart enough to only have one amp!

 

[311boogieman]

I got my Single Rec Solo 50 Rectoverb head for $490.

maybe you just to try a different one.

if you want to try something close to a Recto but non Mesa maybe give a Splawn Nitro a try or a Fryette VHT.

 

[fretout]

Rectos are pretty finicky about preamp tubes. I usually use a Tung-Sol or whatever the best preamp tube you have in V1, and then start experimenting with switching V3, V4 and V5 around to find the best combination.

Could it be ear fatigue that is making the Recto sound different? It's funny to hear settings the next day. Towards the end of each practice, I seem to need more bass and more "thud" in my tone, and the next day, the first chord sound too dark...

 

[Les Zombie]

Roadster or Uberschall would be good.

 

[jayd41]

Time for new tubes?
My triple fried the stock tubes pretty fast, but that was back when I was smart enough to only have one amp!

Power tubes were replaced a few months ago, I rolled a few preamp tubes at the time and ended up replacing the PI also.

I think it's just that you have been on Rig-Talk too long

That's quite possible

I got my Single Rec Solo 50 Rectoverb head for $490.
maybe you just to try a different one.
if you want to try something close to a Recto but non Mesa maybe give a Splawn Nitro a try or a Fryette VHT.

I've been through almost every different version of Rectifiers and this one was the most complete and pleasing to my ear overall. Had the great cleans of the Roadster, but is voiced brighter, tighter and more aggressive in channels 2 and 3. I actually could dial it in almost identical to my revision F dual when I had it, but the reborn triple was tighter.
Splawn Nitro with KT88s would be something I would love to find and try.

Rectos are pretty finicky about preamp tubes. I usually use a Tung-Sol or whatever the best preamp tube you have in V1, and then start experimenting with switching V3, V4 and V5 around to find the best combination.

Could it be ear fatigue that is making the Recto sound different? It's funny to hear settings the next day. Towards the end of each practice, I seem to need more bass and more "thud" in my tone, and the next day, the first chord sound too dark...

Maybe today I will replace the preamp tubes just to see if that is part of the issue. The Phase Inverter was noticeable worn when I rolled a good tube through it's spot several months ago. Maybe others have followed in its path since.

Roadster or Uberschall would be good.

I was actually thinking that an Uberschall or Archon might be a good change of pace along the same lines.

 

[cardinal]

I have a Rev G Truple that sounds extremely consistent. It also ended my GAS for over a year for modern high gain amps. Thing is awesome.

Anyway, I wonder if you just want something in addition to the Recto. Maybe you're just bored with it. The Triple is pretty much my #1 amp, but I love having a JCM 800 around too just to switch things up if the Recto seems stale.

 

[dead-pan]

I have a multiwatt Triple Rec also. I found the sound to be slightly disgusting at times as well.

I would highly suggest trying a Westinghouse (red label) 12ax7 in both v1 and v2. The harshness will be gone and power will be behold. If that makes sense, if not I'll just say crushing.

 

[RJF]

Something different but fairly close...lets see....

Kyle Rhodes modded rev F triple.

Mesa Mark series

Bogner Uberschall

Framus Cobra

 

[glassjaw7]

I've had a Mesa Rectifier in one form or another for years now.
It's pretty much the sound in my head, when its sounding perfect.
The problem is, everytime I fire up my Rectifier, it sounds slight different. Or it's me, either way, it's not consistently, fire up and sound awesome.
I've most recently settled on a Multi-watt Triple that I've had for over a year now. It was the best sounding rectifier over all I had played when I bought it.
The last few months, I seem to have 3 or 4 bad tone days with it for every 1 good day.
Last night, I was so frustrated trying to coax the magic out of it, I unplugged it and fired up the old JSX. Magically delicious tones were had in about 2 minutes.

So this leads me to my question.
What is in the same ballpark as a rectifier, but better.
Or should I just keep fighting the Triple until it submits
(I have recently replaced the power tubes and some preamp tubes, so that's not the issue)

Went through the same thing for years then finally dumped mine for a Mark IV and have been happier. Still not done with the tone search but way more consistent and happier overall.


If you don't want to mess with mods, check out the Road King II. That thing pretty much addresses everything I don't like about standard rectos. Tube swaps go a long way too. Before I had my Dual modified, I swapped all the tubes for JJ pres, KT77s and GZ34s and it made an enormous difference, even more so than the mod.

In the end you may just need to check out some other amps.

 

[firegate]

Have you tried a voltage regulator? I noticed for a while that my amps would sound like crap when I plugged into them at random times, but consistently after getting home from work - later found out that the voltage off the wall socket was way lower around that time than usual. Added a regulator to the rig and now my amps always sound consistent.

 

[LowDesertSludge]

Have you tried a voltage regulator? Added a regulator to the rig and now my amps always sound consistent.

I'm a believer. I thought since the apartments I live in are new, there wouldn't be any spikes but I was wrong. My furman ar117 delivers everytime.

 

[jayd41]

Have you tried a voltage regulator? I noticed for a while that my amps would sound like crap when I plugged into them at random times, but consistently after getting home from work - later found out that the voltage off the wall socket was way lower around that time than usual. Added a regulator to the rig and now my amps always sound consistent.

Very interesting.
I may have to try that.

On a plus note, I messed around yesterday and walked away much happier.
Like I mentioned, I had replaced the phase inverter several months ago but just for the hell of it, I threw an old RCA 5751 in the PI spot.
Holy crap! 80% of the fizz and odd tones gone! It is definitely much darker, but in a good way. And it's a Rectifier, there is plenty of brightness to dial in if needed.

So I'll have to try the power regulator but I think everyone who mentioned preamp tubes hit the nail on the head. This amp is definitely more sensitive to tube selection than any other I own.

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I have a long plate JJ to try in V3.

 

[chunktone]

Roadster or Uberschall would be good.

I'd second the Ubershall! They do everything you'd want from a recto but better. Unlike a lot of Mesa's, you don't have to find some magic setting to get them to sound great.